We can look at something but still see only what we imagine is there. We can have an experience and miss the meaning. Loss, grief, disappointment take their toll in life but can also be transformed by seeing what is really there. Love’s vision can take us home in a flash after many years of being weary and footsore. True for each of us, it’s true for all of us. A personal crisis can force us to re-examine, to change, to be converted, so perhaps what the world is passing through can be seen as a dark night with a rebirth. How can we believe this, really live in joyful hope and make hope real even through the turbulence? By learning to see with the eye of the heart. Looking at how personal and global forces intertwine shows how meditation is not only a way of silence but of vision.
The Monte Oliveto Retreat
Situated on a rise, among cypresses, overlooking the beautiful, natural landscape of the Sienese hills, the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is the Mother House of Laurence Freeman’s monastic family. It is an exceptional monument to art as well as a centre of Benedictine spirituality.
The WCCM international retreat has been held in this place of beauty and peace for 30 years and leads its participants into a deeper and more peaceful place from which to continue their life’s work and journey.
The day is made up of times of meditation, yoga, teaching, worship, solitude and sharing. The surrounding countryside invites for afternoon walks and artistic creation. The spirit of silence during the day renews the spirit, while the evening meal is a time of relaxation and friendship with retreatants from different countries.
REGISTRATION
The costs of the retreat are:
€950 small single room (bathroom in corridor)
€1300 large single room (private bathroom)
€750 per person in a double room (private bathroom)
Do not hesitate to contact us in case of financial difficulties.
Return your registration form as soon as possible in order to secure your reservation.
Please wait for a confirmation before sending your down payment.
Full payment must be made at the time of registration. We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% of the total price for places cancelled until May 30. After this date you will be liable for the full retreat fee. It is important that participants have comprehensive travel insurance to cover this contingency.
WHERE TO SEND YOUR PAYMENT
Bank Name: Barclays Bank
Bank Address: 83 – 85 Notting Hill Gate,
London W11 3JS
Account Name: World Community for Christian Meditation
Our Address: St. Marks, Myddelton Square,
London EC1R 1XX
Account number: 56162877
Sort Code: 20-47-34
IBAN: GB30 BUKB 2047 3456 1628 77
SWIFTBIC: BUKBGB22
WCCM Monte Oliveto
International Office
St Marks Myddelton Square
London
EC1R 1XX
Tel: +44 (+) 20 72782070
e-mail: monteoliveto@wccm.org
Arrival and Departure Dates
Arrival on Saturday 24th of June, no later than 17:00.
Departure on Saturday 1st July after breakfast.
For any late arrivals or if you plan to arrive before Saturday 24th June and/or leave after Saturday 1st July please contact Catherine Charrière at +41 78 830 3298 – catherine@wccm.org
Travel
Participants should make their own arrangements for either getting to Pisa airport and meeting the bus, or travelling independently to Monte Oliveto to arrive before 17.00. The WCCM bus will depart from Pisa airport at 13:30 on Saturday 24th June and return on Saturday 1st July 2023, leaving Monte Oliveto at 9:30.
€ 80 for bus Pisa/Monte Oliveto/Pisa (or € 40 for one way only, please state which way)
There is a good train network; all timetable information is on the web: https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html
The nearest train stations to Monte Oliveto Maggiore are Asciano-Monte Oliveto or Buonconvento. You will need a taxi from either of these towns to Monte Oliveto Maggiore. Information about taxis will be sent to participants with confirmation of their registration.
